Job Description

Job Title:Cultural Liaison
Date: 26-27 School Year - 9 month role, 7 hours a day
Reports To: Building Principal
Salary: $31.69 an hour

Serve as a liaison between families and the schools to help sustain a trusting and supportive relationship, develop healthy and positive family attitudes toward academic success, and attendance at school. Assist parents by responding to the needs of students and their families, providing information about locating resources and developing the skills necessary to advocate for their individual,
family, and cultural needs within the school and community.

Job Functions

• Translate and interpret (orally and written) school and district documents, including parent handbooks, newsletters, Individual Education Plans-IEPs, 504s, health plans, etc.)
• Translate and interpret (orally and written) teacher documents, including newsletters, calendars, field trip information, events, etc.
• Interpret (verbal) for teaching, health office and administrative staff regarding student progress, including behavior, grades, attendance, good news, events, etc.
• Interpret during meetings, conferences and testing.
• Coordinate interpretations services for conferences at building site twice per year.
• Provide assistance to families and students as they enroll and participate in school including enrollment paperwork and checklists, food service applications, transportation, on-line support, and health concerns.
• Provide home/site visits to better assess and understand the needs of each family.
• Facilitate communication between students, parents, and school staff to develop healthy, positive family attitudes toward academic success, attendance at school, and student academic development.
• Encourage parents to attend and be active in meetings and events.
• Support parents in developing self-advocacy skills to voice their concerns, needs, strengths, opinions, and priorities.
• Develop relationships and work cooperatively as a team member with all school staff to support students' academic performance, achievement, attendance and/or behavior.
• Seek solutions to attendance roadblocks in conjunction with Building Principal.
• Advocate for educational equity for all students and families.
• Work with principals and leadership teams to analyze school data, and to develop action plans to ensure educational equity for all students.
• Work with principals and leadership teams to develop a positive building climate that leads to educational equity.
• Assist in bridging connections between parents, schools, and other community agencies to provide appropriate services for students and families.
• Attend monthly community resource information meetings regarding resources available in the community.
• Other duties as assigned.
  

Education

• Minimum of an AA degree required
• Valid driver's license and dependable transportation is required
• Bachelor's degree preferred
• Translator certification preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent communication skills with culturally diverse families
• Preference for bi-lingual reading, writing, listening and speaking skills
• Sensitivity and compassion for the needs of a variety of ethnic groups with an understanding of immigration/refugee needs and various cultural family systems.
• Desire to provide assistance and advocacy to culturally diverse learners and their families to promote school success.
• Desire to be a part of system change efforts to create more culturally sensitive schools and community services
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with students, families, and school personnel
• Ability to maintain professional composure while dealing with a variety of personalities and situations
• Ability to keep information about students and families confidential
• Experience and skill in using computers
• Ability to utilize technology in learning opportunities
• Ability to work flexible hours
• Willing to learn the specifics of South St. Paul educational philosophy and goals for students
• Demonstrated prompt, regular and reliable attendance
  

Physical Requirements Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a computer and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Vision abilities required include close vision.
Vision abilities required include close vision.

Benefits at South St. Paul Public Schools:
HealthPartners coverage for medical and dental
403(b) retirement with district match
TRA or PERA Retirement Association benefitsFlexible spending account
Paid time off and leave benefits
Complete benefits details available through Human Resources. Benefits vary by position and contract.